Ruairi Quinn is said to be disappointed that the Catholic Church has failed to show how schools can be genuinely inclusive to other religions.
It's thought the Department of Education is also looking at timetabling religion classes at the start or at the end of the day, to make it easier for some pupils to opt out of religious instruction.
The three main teachers unions are all holding their annual conferences this week where the subject of pay and junior cycle reform are up for discussion.
